Tammy Keith
Stories by Tammy
Andy Shock: Faulkner County sheriff says role ‘meant to be’
updated: 06/14/2013 2:54 p.m. Discuss
Faulkner County Sheriff Andy Shock’s personality, from his fierce loyalty to family and dogged dedication to law enforcement to his soft-hearted affection for developmentally disabled individuals, can be summed up in a sentence. “I think it boils down to being a protector,” he said.
Methodist Church moves Summer Feeding Program
updated: 06/14/2013 2:26 p.m. Discuss
Children and teenagers, some walking with adults, made their way down streets and across yards Wednesday in the Conway Housing Authority neighborhood for a free sack lunch provided by First United Methodist Church. The Summer Feeding Program started last year, said Kisha Bumpers, director of lay ministries at First United Methodist Church in Conway.
Honoring the perfect father
updated: 06/14/2013 4:20 p.m. Discuss
I had to decide whether to write about butchering my azaleas or Father’s Day. I write about my mother all the time, but my dad I only mention from time to time. He likes it that way. But I don’t want people to get the impression that I’m not close to him or that he’s not a great father. It’s just the opposite, really. I’ll never forget a relative saying to me one time, “You think your dad is perfect.”
Honoring the perfect father
updated: 06/14/2013 1:46 p.m. Discuss
I had to decide whether to write about butchering my azaleas or Father’s Day. I write about my mother all the time, but my dad I only mention from time to time. He likes it that way. But I don’t want people to get the impression that I’m not close to him or that he’s not a great father. It’s just the opposite, really. I’ll never forget a relative saying to me one time, “You think your dad is perfect.” Why, yes, I do.
Honoring the perfect father RVO
updated: 06/14/2013 2:28 p.m. Discuss
I had to decide whether to write about butchering my azaleas or Father’s Day. I write about my mother all the time, but my dad I only mention from time to time. He likes it that way.
Mayflower super asks principal to ‘move on’
updated: 06/12/2013 10:04 a.m. Discuss
Superintendent John Gray said last week that Mayflower High School Principal Jeff Cagle has been asked to leave the district.
Dover man named to senior hall of fame
updated: 06/12/2013 10:08 a.m. Discuss
Wetzel LaGrone, 79, of Dover said he didn’t know until his name was called at the Capitol in Little Rock that he’d been accepted into the Arkansas Senior Hall of Fame.
Heber Springs resident wins heptathlon national championship for Hendrix
updated: 06/07/2013 9:57 a.m. Discuss
Hendrix student Elizabeth Krug of Heber Springs is just 21, but she’s already achieved one of two major goals for her life: becoming a national champion. “The two goals I’ve had are to become a national champion and become a pediatrician; I’ve got one of those down,” she said. Krug became a national champion by winning the heptathlon at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Championship May 24 in La Crosse, Wis. The seven events are 100-meter hurdles, shot put, 200-meter dash, 800-meter dash, high jump, long jump and javelin throw. Her best is the 200-meter dash, she said.
Kitchen dilemma spurs buffet of responses
updated: 06/06/2013 7:41 p.m. Discuss
On impulse, I joined an online decorating-dilemma discussion group. I have been trying to decide on a kitchen backsplash for weeks, and I’m getting nowhere. I quickly posted my problem, and I called it A Tale of Two Tiles — Help! (I thought my take-off on A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens might attract attention.) My hunter-green laminate countertops are history, and now I have nice, quartz countertops, but the walls behind them are torn-up Sheetrock. As I explained when I joined the discussion group, it’s not life or death, but I am about to lose my mind trying to decide on a backsplash to go with my new kitchen countertops.
‘A great moment’ : Hendrix student wins heptathlon national championship
updated: 06/07/2013 12:22 p.m. Discuss
Hendrix student Elizabeth Krug of Heber Springs is just 21, but she’s already achieved one of two major goals for her life: becoming a national champion.
Melissa Courtway: UCA first lady learning to love role
updated: 06/07/2013 1:41 p.m. Discuss
Melissa Courtway of Conway is a private, soft-spoken person, content to be in the background. Suffice it to say that serving as first lady of the University of Central Arkansas is a little out of her comfort zone.
Kitchen dilemma spurs buffet of responsesTL
updated: 06/07/2013 2:08 p.m. Discuss
On impulse, I joined an online decorating-dilemma discussion group. I have been trying to decide on a kitchen backsplash for weeks, and I’m getting nowhere. I quickly posted my problem, and I called it A Tale of Two Tiles — Help!
Morrilton native hired as South Conway County superintendent
updated: 06/05/2013 1:56 p.m. Discuss
Shawn Halbrook has to reorder business cards often. Halbrook, 41, will take over July 1 as South Conway County School District superintendent in Morrilton. He grew up in Morrilton and is a familiar face in that district — and in the Harrison School District, where he is assistant superintendent.
Reaching out with reading: Vilonia resident collects books for Oklahoma students
updated: 06/05/2013 1:21 p.m. Discuss
When Kelsey Theall, 20, of Vilonia watched the news about the May 20 Oklahoma tornado, she could relate, and she wanted to help.
Cat not at play while Dad’s away
updated: 05/31/2013 11:11 a.m. Discuss
I survived week 1 as a doctoral widow. That’s what I’ve decided to call myself — sort of like a football widow, where women are alone during the sports season. When my husband left to live in Mississippi for a few days each week this summer to take classes toward his doctorate, I must admit that a tiny part of me felt excited. I could do what I wanted, watch what I wanted on TV, go shopping anytime.
Cat not at play while Dad’s away
updated: 05/31/2013 11:06 a.m. Discuss
I survived week 1 as a doctoral widow. That’s what I’ve decided to call myself — sort of like a football widow, where women are alone during the sports season.
Dr. Joe Sugg: 30-year-old named Young Optometrist of the Year
updated: 05/31/2013 11:19 a.m. Discuss
Dr. Joe Sugg will talk all day long about how great Heber Springs is, but he won’t brag on himself. Sugg, 30, president of the Heber Springs Area Chamber of Commerce board, is an optometrist — and, oh, by the way, Young Optometrist of the Year.
Effective habits: Morrilton schools adopt leadership program
updated: 05/31/2013 10:57 a.m. Discuss
When first-graders talk about being proactive and making good choices, Morrilton Elementary School Principal Sharon Wilson said she knows a new leadership program is working.
Cat not at play while Dad’s away
updated: 05/31/2013 10:48 a.m. Discuss
I survived week 1 as a doctoral widow. That’s what I’ve decided to call myself — sort of like a football widow, where women are alone during the sports season. When my husband left to live in Mississippi for a few days each week this summer to take classes toward his doctorate, I must admit that a tiny part of me felt excited. I could do what I wanted, watch what I wanted on TV, go shopping anytime.
EF5 twister hits home: Former Conway family displaced
updated: 05/29/2013 10:59 a.m. Discuss
Former Conway resident Noah Hill, 27, was at the church where he works in Moore, Okla., at about 3 p.m. May 20 when he heard that a tornado was bearing down on the city. Hill and his wife, April, 29, moved to Moore in February and bought a home on Bouzidan Street, and they were still getting to know neighbors, he said.
‘Amazing young man’ : Student makes perfect 36 on ACT
updated: 05/29/2013 11:05 a.m. Discuss
Andrew Powell of Heber Springs said his parents never pushed him academically; they just asked him to do his best. On the ACT, his best was perfect. Powell, 18, made a 36 on the test, the highest possible score.
Morrilton students gather supplies for Oklahoma
updated: 05/29/2013 11:28 a.m. Discuss
After students at Morrilton Intermediate School heard about the tornado in Oklahoma, they took action.
‘This is exciting’ : Bigelow High School addition under construction
updated: 05/24/2013 11:11 a.m. Discuss
The $3.6 million addition under construction at Bigelow High School is the most significant project in years, Superintendent Eric Saunders said.
Sending my husband off to college
updated: 05/24/2013 11:52 a.m. Discuss
I’m sending my last one off to college this week. My husband is moving to Mississippi to continue work toward his doctorate in journalism. To meet the residency requirement, he’s moving to the campus this summer and taking four classes. At first, he was going to live in a dorm. A co-ed dorm. A cohort of his did it for two summers, and she would sneak in her husband when he came to visit. I wasn’t really looking forward to going to bunk beds and a bathroom down the hall. He’s decided to live in an on-campus apartment — a 400-square-foot apartment with cinder-block walls and a twin bed. The video tour online takes three seconds.
Sending my husband off to college
updated: 05/24/2013 11:18 a.m. Discuss
I’m sending my last one off to college this week. My husband is moving to Mississippi to continue work toward his doctorate in journalism.
Sending my husband off to college-TL
updated: 05/24/2013 12:25 p.m. Discuss
I’m sending my last one off to college this week. My husband is moving to Mississippi to continue work toward his doctorate in journalism. To meet the residency requirement, he’s moving to the campus this summer and taking four classes.
‘High-tech home ec’ : Old, new blend in updated program
updated: 05/24/2013 12:04 p.m. Discuss
Family and Consumer Sciences Program classes at Bigelow High School this fall will combine old and new skills — sewing and Smart Boards, cooking and computers. “It’s high-tech home ec,” teacher Heather Neumeier said.
‘Wonderful addition’ : Work under way on Rogers Plaza in Conway
updated: 05/22/2013 10:26 a.m. Discuss
Lloyd Westbrook has waited 18 years to see his dream for a park in downtown Conway start to take shape.
Parking woes force market move
updated: 05/22/2013 10:21 a.m. Discuss
When the Conway Farmers Market moved three years ago from the YBMA Fairgrounds to a downtown parking lot, it was hailed as the greatest thing since sliced bread.
Dr. Steve Magie: Conway man balances medicine with politics
updated: 05/17/2013 11:39 a.m. Discuss
Dr. Steve Magie of Conway described his temperament as “pretty laid-back,” but then he reconsidered. “I’m not really too laid-back,” he said, laughing and playing with a rubber band. “I used to be more high strung.”
Things happen, but life goes on
updated: 05/17/2013 11:29 a.m. Discuss
Those of us who grew up watching Saturday Night Live like to quote Gilda Radner’s crazy-haired character Roseanne Roseannadanna, who said, ‘It’s always something.” It is. Always. Something.
Ranking the ‘somethings’ found in life
updated: 05/17/2013 11:59 a.m. Discuss
Those of us who grew up watching Saturday Night Live like to quote Gilda Radner’s crazy-haired character Roseanne Roseannadanna, who said, ‘It’s always something.” It is. Always. Something. My husband and I were meeting our younger son and his girlfriend for dinner to celebrate her college graduation and her new job. We got there, and as we waited for a booth to be cleared, we wondered what was taking them so long. I got a phone call from the girlfriend, who calmly said they’d been in an accident not far from the restaurant. The first question, obviously, was whether they were OK. They were.
Things will happen, but life goes on
updated: 05/17/2013 11:39 a.m. Discuss
Those of us who grew up watching Saturday Night Live like to quote Gilda Radner’s crazy-haired character Roseanne Roseannadanna, who said, ‘It’s always something.” It is. Always. Something. My husband and I were meeting our younger son and his girlfriend for dinner to celebrate her college graduation and her new job. We got there, and as we waited for a booth to be cleared, we wondered what was taking them so long. I got a phone call from the girlfriend, who calmly said they’d been in an accident not far from the restaurant. The first question, obviously, was whether they were OK. They were.
Rebirth: Tree becomes UCA bear in artist’s hands
updated: 05/15/2013 9:44 a.m. Discuss
Gary Keenan didn’t need the woods to capture a bear, just one tree and his chain saw. The Iowa chain-saw sculptor carved the University of Central Arkansas’ mascot from a 10 1/2-foot oak trunk in front of Wingo Hall on campus.
‘Never give up’ : Profoundly deaf senior ready for college
updated: 05/10/2013 2:23 p.m. Discuss
Caroline Stone will walk across the stage at the Russellville High School graduation, and her triumph is both receiving a diploma and hearing the applause afterward.
Saying those 3 little words on Mother’s Day
updated: 05/10/2013 10:22 a.m. Discuss
When I write a column about Mother’s Day, it reminds me of what editor Ben Bradlee said in the movie All the President’s Men about the Washington Post’s Watergate investigation.
Ashley Andrews: New Dardanelle chamber director a ‘go-getter’
updated: 05/10/2013 2:50 p.m. Discuss
Ashley Andrews said she’s not afraid to fight for what she wants. What the 26-year-old wanted was an interview for the executive director’s job at the Dardanelle Area Chamber of Commerce.
Saying those three little words on Mother’s Day
updated: 05/10/2013 2:20 p.m. Discuss
When I write a column about Mother’s Day, it reminds me of what editor Ben Bradlee said in the movie All the President’s Men about the Washington Post’s Watergate investigation.
Saying those three little words on Mother’s Day
updated: 05/10/2013 10:16 a.m. Discuss
When I write a column about Mother’s Day, it reminds me of what editor Ben Bradlee said in the movie All the President’s Men about the Washington Post’s Watergate investigation. “We’re under a lot of pressure, you know, and you put us there. Nothing’s riding on this except the First Amendment to the Constitution, freedom of the press, and maybe the future of the country.” Maybe that’s a slight exaggeration, but not much. Writing about mothers is a loaded subject. If I write about myself, I feel the angst of everything I did wrong raising my two boys. (I make a mental list about once a week. Am I the only one?)
Guy-Perkins hires administrators: Changes made after leader’s resignation
updated: 05/08/2013 9:25 a.m. Discuss
Damon Teas will be happy when July comes and the Guy-Perkins School District administration is fully staffed.
Mayflower clinic staff back after spill move
updated: 05/08/2013 9:40 a.m. Discuss
Conway Regional Medical Center’s clinic in Mayflower is back in business at its location on Arkansas 365 after the smell of oil from the ruptured underground pipeline forced the clinic to temporarily move to Conway.
Greenbrier launches fitness program, named as pilot city
updated: 05/08/2013 9:33 a.m. Discuss
Thanks to a mayor on a mission to get healthy, Greenbrier Gets Fit was launched for city employees.
24th annual Yell Fest set for Friday, Saturday
updated: 05/08/2013 9:38 a.m. Discuss
Dardanelle will be a noisy place on Friday and Saturday. The 24th annual Yell Fest has all kinds of activities including, yes, a yelling contest.
Heart attack, snake bite or shingles?
updated: 05/03/2013 12:52 p.m. Discuss
In the space of a few days, my husband thought he had a heart attack, pulled muscle, snake bite or the shingles. He was right about one of them. Martyr that he is, he didn’t tell me immediately that he was having pain. It started after he worked in the backyard, pulling weeds and raking. He picked up piles of leaves with his bare hands and put them in a yard-waste can. He noticed one of the sticks in the can moving and, on second glance, realized it was a snake that he must have picked up with a bunch of leaves and loaded in there.
UCA gets first labyrinth
updated: 05/03/2013 1:10 p.m. Discuss
A residence-hall courtyard that used to be a boring path to the trash bin has been transformed into a place where students can meditate, contemplate or just hang out.
Heart attack, snake bite or shingles?
updated: 05/03/2013 1:20 p.m. Discuss
In the space of a few days, my husband thought he had a heart attack, pulled muscle, snake bite or the shingles. He was right about one of them. Martyr that he is, he didn’t tell me immediately that he was having pain. It started after he worked in the backyard, pulling weeds and raking. He picked up piles of leaves with his bare hands and put them in a yard-waste can. He noticed one of the sticks in the can moving and, on second glance, realized it was a snake that he must have picked up with a bunch of leaves and loaded in there.
Heart attack, snake bite or shingles?
updated: 05/03/2013 1:26 p.m. Discuss
In the space of a few days, my husband thought he had a heart attack, pulled muscle, snake bite or the shingles.
Hunter ‘Wallace’ Mullins : Tech student-body president called ‘charismatic leader’
updated: 05/03/2013 2:03 p.m. Discuss
Hunter “Wallace” Mullins of Russellville is the kind of student every teacher wants in class and the kind of son every mother dreams of having.
Bow Wow Bones: Greenbrier family collaborates on book
updated: 05/01/2013 8:41 a.m. Discuss
Tracy Monin of Greenbrier will never forget the day her then 10-year-old son, Luke, came home from school and announced, ‘Mommy, we are writing a book.’”
Boys and Girls Club begins search for new leader
updated: 05/01/2013 8:43 a.m. Discuss
The Boys and Girls Club of Faulkner County Board will advertise nationally for a new chief professional officer, said Ronda Warneke, director of development in Conway.
